Residence Director (RD) for NEXT Steps (Certificate Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities)
NEXT Steps is a certificate program for students with intellectual disability. The Residence Director for NEXT Steps is a live-in, professional educator whose primary responsibility is to deliver a student-development focused curriculum and co-curriculum that supports the mission of the NEXT Steps program. The NEXT Steps RLE actively promotes a safe and healthy living environment for students in the program while teaching foundational skills in independent living. They serve as an active member on the NEXT Steps team. This is a full-time, 10-month position.
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in related field.
Education Preferred: Master’s degree in education, special education, higher education, counseling, or a related field.
Experience Required: 1 year of post undergraduate residence life experience; 1-2 years of experience working directly with students with intellectual disabilities.
Experience Preferred: 1 year teaching experience.
Skills, Characteristics Required for Position:
1. Strong knowledge of strategies to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities
2. Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong verbal and written communication abilities
3. Skillful in decision-making and problem-solving
4. Technology skills, including Microsoft and Canvas
5. Teaching ability, curriculum delivery, and assessment
6. Knowledge and understanding of the stages of student development and the importance of holistic education
7. Ability to work collaboratively within the department and other departments
Special Working Conditions:
1. Live-in position; 40 hours a week, with some hours during nights, weekends, and occasional holidays.
2. After hours and on weekends, the Residence Life Educators are a critical component of the Institution’s risk management model. RLEs are expected to respond as an adult neighbor in the event of a major crisis such as a natural disaster or fire. NEXT Steps RLE will be part of the administrative on-call team.
Primary Duties:
1. Assist with the interview and selection process for prospective NEXT Steps students.
2. Develop lesson plans and teach Independent Living course and associated labs for NEXT Steps students (NEXT 030/L, 035/L, 040/L, 045/L).
3. Foster a safe, hospitable, holistic, living-learning environment that promotes a sense of belonging for all students, encouraging ownership of student learning, engagement, development, and well-being.
4. Complete daily living walkthroughs for up to 24 NEXT Steps students to monitor and evaluate the condition of student living space.
5. Complete well-being walkthroughs for up to 24 NEXT Steps students to assess overall health and personal needs.
6. Maintain student attendance and required records via assessment tool.
7. Respond as required/requested to student crises.
8. Serve on the On-Consult Administrative Response rotation and work in cooperation with safety, counseling staff, and medical staff.
9. Make intentional efforts to get to know NEXT Steps residents.
10. Develop, promote, and increase inclusive residence hall activities for NEXT Steps students and peers, as part of their co-curricular programming.
11. Provide administrative oversight:
1. Complete administrative responsibilities within the residence hall.
2. Assist in the opening and closing of residence halls.
3. Actively contribute to NEXT Steps and SSE Divisional meetings.
12. Complete special tasks and projects assigned by the Director of NEXT Steps.
13. Partner with the Director of NEXT Steps in department-wide initiatives.
14. Assist in maintaining effective student relations by collaborating on retention efforts, roommate negotiations, and informal meetings that contribute to students’ success and growth.
Secondary Duties:
1. Participate in various committees through membership in the Community of Educators.
2. Develop professionally by keeping current in the education field.
3. Work collaboratively with other campus offices.
4. Other duties as assigned.
Posting Date: 03/20/2025
Open Until Filled: Yes
Application Deadline:
Diversity: Messiah University’s commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence draws inspiration from its mission “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.” Candidates should clearly articulate why diversity and inclusive excellence matter to them as persons of faith as well as in their profession. Candidates will speak to how as a potential employee, they will contribute to the advancement of this vision through their teaching-learning, research, institutional service, and public engagement.
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